Synthesis and characterization of P4VP/SBA-15 composite by in situ polymerization

Abstract  

Poly(4-vinylpyridine)/SBA-15 (P4VP/SBA-15) composites with various amounts of SBA-15 were prepared and characterized. The physical and chemical properties of P4VP/SBA-15 were investigated by XRD, BET, FT-IR, TGA, and SEM techniques. The catalytic performance of each material was determined for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction between carbonyl compounds and ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of water as a solvent. The effects of reaction temperature, the amount of catalyst, amount of support, solvent, and the amount of benzoyl peroxide during the synthesis of P4VP/SBA-15 were investigated, as well as the recyclability of the heterogeneous composite. The catalyst used for this synthetically useful transformation showed a considerable level of reusability as well as very good activity. This reaction occurred rapidly when water was used as a solvent, so we assume it to be a green reaction.